Training facility unveiled to the community

Sunday

Apr 22, 2012 at 7:49 AMApr 23, 2012 at 7:52 AM

RENE DE LA CRUZ, Special to the Daily Press

APPLE VALLEY • The Regional Public Safety Training Center stood out like a sparkling gem in the desert sand as Victor Valley College officials showed off their $31.6 million beauty during Saturday's dedication ceremony in Apple Valley.

"This facility is a stellar example of partnerships within the community that pull together to make a difference," said Executive Vice Chancellor Erik Skinner, with the California Community College's office, during a mid-morning presentation to regional and local leaders.

Opened in February next to the Walmart Distribution Center, the facility was designed to conduct programs in fire science/firefighting, administration of justice and emergency medical services, and will be available for public safety professionals throughout the state.

Fred Wehrenber, branch chief with FEMA, said he was a bit jealous of those starting their careers in public safety because of the collaborative training approach of multiple agencies working side-byside.

"With the opening of this training center, VVC is at the forefront of public safety education," Wehrenber said. "Simulation training achieves a 30 to 40 percent increase in reaction time."

Glen Stewart, lead instructor with the college's fire academy, said the state-of-the-art facility gives his team the ability to recreate real life scenarios in a controlled environment.

"What we once described to our students, we can now show them directly," said Stewart, who works with approximately 35 students during a 10–week course. "This place is phenomenal and it gives us everything we need to equip those that will be working in the real world."

Stewart said his interaction with students on the five-story training tower, where live fires can be set, is his favorite part of the training experience.

Prior to the new facility, academy instructors used buildings, parking lots and available space at VVC and throughout the community to train, Stewart said.

During the afternoon session, crowds watched demonstrations at the shooting range, burn tower, prop yard and in classrooms as temperatures reached the 90s.

The center, which was built on land donated by Walmart, was completed through voter approved Measure JJ, a $297.5 million bond measure approved in 2008, which cost taxpayer $20 per $100,000 of assessed property value annually until the bond is paid off with interest, which will take an estimated 30 to 35 years.

Information on Victor Valley College can be found online at www.vvc.edu.

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